This year, the Keystone Trails Association (KTA) will field its sixteenth annual Trail Crew season, dedicated to improving Pennsylvania’s hiking trails. Pennsylvania has thousands of miles of hiking trails. Building and maintaining these trails depends mostly on volunteers. It’s up to us to keep our hiking trails in good condition. Join with KTA in giving some time back to Pennsylvania’s trails!

The work can be hard but the rewards are many. You’ll meet volunteers from many places, and share time and camaraderie with them. You’ll learn to appreciate Pennsylvania’s hiking trails in a new way. And you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you contributed to this project.

Thanks to past efforts of the KTA summer Trail Crew and Trail Care weekend volunteers, Pennsylvania’s hiking community can justly be proud of the hiking experiences available on our state’s extensive system of footpaths.

The KTA Trail Crews assemble on Tuesday evening and end the following Sunday at noon, with all meals provided. Participants can sign up for the entire week or by the day. Please see below for the 2013 Summer Trail Crew Schedule.

We invite you to join in on this important and ongoing project. Invest your time in the future of Pennsylvania hiking trails.

WORK CONDITIONS

Trail building, clearing and maintenance often involves vigorous work. This can include use of a chainsaw or brush cutter, moving tree limbs, doing rock work, digging treadway or installing signage posts. The degree of difficulty of the work, however, varies with the task. Many volunteers perform less strenuous tasks, such as trimming back brush with hand loppers or blaze painting. Generally, there is plenty of work for every age, ability and level of experience. Please tell us in advance about your work experience and the type of work that you can handle, so that we can accommodate you. KTA will supply tools and equipment. You can bring your own tools if you wish.

DAILY SCHEDULE

The following is a daily schedule that will be followed for the 5 days that the Trail Crew will work. It is important to keep to the schedule, especially in regards to the morning wakeup and the times set for meals. If we do not keep to a reasonable schedule, it can delay the morning departure and make the difficult job of cooking even more challenging.

Because of ever-changing weather conditons, it is necessary for all participants to prepare properly for the day ahead. All participants should carry no less that 2 quarts of water, a rainjacket and light fleece or other insulating layer. It is also a good idea to have an energy bar or candy available. During the month of June, heavy rain and cool conditions can lead to hypothermia. Conversely, heat and humidity while working can cause heat exhaustion. The rule is: BE PREPARED FOR ALL CONDITIONS EACH AND EVERY WORK DAY.

LIVING CONDITIONS

Volunteers will sleep in campsites and/or cabins. Accommodations will vary in each location, depending on the crew size and availability. KTA will supply all meals (let us know if you have any special dietary needs or restrictions). There will be time in the evenings for relaxation and recreation.

WHAT TO BRING

• Tent or camper vehicle
• Sleeping bag or bed roll for temperature to 40 degrees
• Air or foam mattress (provides ground insulation)
• 2-3 quart water bottles
• Small day pack
• Rain jacket and rain pants
• Fleece or other warm pullover/jacket
• Sturdy boots (not just sneakers ). Bring two pair if you have them.
• Flashlight and spare batteries
• A change of work clothes for each day
• Underwear, socks, t-shirt, shirt with long sleeves and long pants
• Lightweight cap
• Wash cloth and towels
• Soap, shampoo, toilet articles, insect repellent, sun screen, prescription medications
• First Aid Kit
• Robe for shower
• Flip flops or shower shoes
• Sunglasses
• Tossel cap
• Folding chair
• Light weight camp shoes
• Laundry bag (laundry facilities vary, but may be available)
• Camp clothes for the evenings
• Shorts should not be worn on trail care. The work is difficult, and you should have your legs protected. Long sleeve shirts are also highly recommended to protect exposed skin from scratches, insects and sun.
• Deer ticks, which may carry Lyme Disease, are present in all areas of Pennsylvania. Use tick repellant on clothing to help keep ticks away.

TO SIGN UP FOR A PROJECT

To sign up for a project, fill out the KTA Trail Crew application form. If you sign up, we expect that you will keep your commitment to volunteer. We will arrange meals and housing based on the number of people who register. If you have to cancel for any reason, we expect that you will give as much notice as possible. Detailed maps, directions and a trail crew guidebook will be provided to all whom sign-up.